RE: The Gulf Coast

about the worthlessness of the Gulf of Mexico,
and the nuisance caused by the suffering of millions of oil-slicked pelicans
retrieve the oil and present a face of responsibility

Louisiana never was fought over;
the French couldn't give it away.
Even the Yankees who marched to
preserve the Union left only charred ground to reclaim.
Midwesterners should turn to the Atlantic Coast for recreation.

Of shrimp and fish, already filled with mercury
Their deaths need make no sound
there are other fish in the sea
and more oil lies in the ground

Dig more wells quickly
without pause for crabs or sand
sugar white beaches sift away,
siphon until the last drop,
a walk on the beach yields not a swim
but a glimpse of blinking lights above darkened waters.